Movie goers know that yesterday at 12 a.m. was the first public showing of Pirates of the Caribbean 3.  Nope, I haven’t seen it.  Nor have I seen No. 2. Not that I have any problem with pirates or Johnny Depp, but pirates have nothing to do with the title of this post.

According to the “International Talk Like a Pirate” site, I learned that Arrr! can mean, variously, “yes,” “I agree,” and “I’m happy.”  (It also meant something about beer, but that didn’t seem to apply here.) I thought that the first three definitions were especially appropriate given that today was a huge “Arrr!” day of success for the Tiede boys.

 You see, after more than four years of speech therapy at Mayo Clinic for Ben, and a year for Caleb, today BOTH boys were able to successfully produce the /ar/ sound! (pronounced “Arrr!”)  Can I just say that this mom was near tears?  Really!  This is a huge thing.  For a very long time we have played “Stump the Mayo Speech Therapist” with this particular sound.  We’ve tried every therapy, technique, and trick in the book.  Today, however, Ben (nearly 7) went into speech and told Ruth that when his brother, Caleb, talks to our new puppy he calls her “Baby Gewl.”  He rolled his eyes and said, “That’s wrong!  He’s supposed to say ‘Baby Girl’!”  Ruth and I nearly did the happy dance right there.  For the next thirty minutes she coaxed many more “Arrrs” our of my Ben.

Then Caleb came in for his thirty minutes in the lime light.  He said, “Ben says I can’t say gewl right.”  With that little motivation it didn’t take long before he, too, was cranking out “arrs” to near perfection.

So, where do we go from here?  I can tell you that the Tiede’s are going to be saying LOTS of /ar/ words around here.  Last week Ben wrote a note and left it on the table.  It said…

               R  God  is  gwat! 

 Tonight we  Rejoice…for ouR LoRd IS gReat!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rene Gutteridge is the author of several novels, including Ghost Writer (Bethany House Publishers) The Boo Series (WaterBrook Press) and the Storm Series, (Tyndale House Publishers. She will release three novels in 2006: Storm Surge (Tyndale) My Life as a Doormat (WestBow Press, Women of Faith)Occupational Hazards Book #1: Scoop (WaterBrook Press).

She has also been published over thirty times as a playwright, best known for her Christian comedy sketches. She studied screenwriting under a Mass Communications degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Oklahoma City University, and earned the “Excellence in Mass Communication” award. She served as the full-time Director of Drama for First United Methodist Church for five years before leaving to stay home and write. She enjoys instructing at writer’s conferences and in college classrooms. She lives with her husband, Sean, a musician, and their children in Oklahoma City.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Old School meets New School meets Home School… 

Just shy of retirement and a well-earned pension, Las Vegas Police Department Sergeant Ron Yeager’s definition of “active duty” involves shifting his bad leg into a more comfortable position. But when he’s requested from his mind-numbing desk job to head an undercover auto theft task force, the former narcotics officer determines to prove he’s still got the right stuff. That is…until he meets his unlikely team of officers.As Yeager soon finds out, not all the crazies are on the street. An undercover rookie, the audaciously honest Mackenzie “Mack” Hazard sends Yeager’s blood pressure skyrocketing by wearing her faith like an ever-present badge. Then there’s Jesse Lunden, a maverick undercover officer who refuses to learn anything from an old guy with a cane. Can this tangle of egos and eccentrics be trained into a lean, mean, crime-fighting machine…even while they are being drawn into something much bigger and more dangerous than anyone imagined?In her trademark style, Rene Gutteridge blends zany, original characters, sincere faith, and surprising plot twists into one hilariously addictive read.

I’m always in awe of how God orchestrates details that are beyond our control.  As we continue to journey with the George family, this fact is more true than ever.

 For the latest news on this family, please go to their website at:
http://www.ministrystudios.com/charity/index.php?page=blog

I hope that by the time the family gets home tonight they will have a better idea about the likelihood of surgery for Charity.  She seemed to decline today and is limited to mostly eye-blinks for communication.  Swallowing is becoming a problem as well.

 In the midst of all of this, many of Charity and Jeremy’s families are coming to Rochester.  It’s tempting to say that I’ve been findng housing for all of them, but truly God has been the CEO of this experience.  He’s done the impossible.  Today in a very short period of time, my friends/neighbors agreed to house Jeremy’s mom for an unlimited period of time.  Another neighbor is taking Charity’s sister for two nights.  The following night her sister’s husband and four children will be joining her in town.

 I must confess that finding housing for six was making me nervous.  Finally I took myself out of the picture and said to a friend, “You know, I don’t have to worry about this because God already knows where they will be sleeping.”  Would you believe that within an hour an entire house became available?  The family attends our former church. They also have four children…within the same age range as Charity’s sister.  This family will be out of town for the exact days we needed housing and they have agreed to let the the visiting family just move in.  Isn’t that God sized?!

 God also knows the outcome for Charity.  He hears our prayers and knows the cries of our hearts.  I have no doubt He is glorified by the number of believers who are carrying their sister, Charity, to His throne. 

Loving and praying for Charity is the sum total of what her family can do right now.  They have no doubt that God is in charge and the doctors at Mayo are doing their best.  I must confess, that I, too, feel helpless to know what to say or do.  Okay, those of you who know me know that “doing” comes easier in these situations.  Funny, I usually am never at a loss for words, but this is different.  This is God-Sized Stuff.  I’m so thankful that when I am weak, He is strong…and we can rejoice in Him always.

 II Corinthinians 12:9 “And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”

No Surgery is Better than

foolish surgery

May 15, 2007, 10:12 am
Jeremy, Sylvia and I had a lengthy visit with neuro surgeon, Dr. Wetjen. It was explained rather clearly that surgery at this time would almost certainly be devastating for Charity. She seems to have responded well to steroid treatment so this is the best plan of action.

The cause of the lesion on her brain stem remains a mystery. It is unusual and doesn’t follow the typical scenarios. Although most of those in neurosurgery and neurology tend to see it most likely as a cavernous hemangioma.

To do surgery without knowing what it is would be so risky.

The most important things right now are:

1. Following a wise medical approach which includes
- keeping her on steroids and praying for shrinking of the lesion
- keeping her airways clear and open (because she can’t cough)
- keeping her calorie intake sufficient (because she can’t swallow)

2. Surround her with love, acceptance, encouragement to persevere

3. Continue to intercede in her behalf. She is again in God’s hands and her ultimate destiny and attainable goals are in His hands and not in man’s.

4. Work hard in rehab. If she can recover some of the neurological things she has lost that would be great. Again, if the damage is mostly from swelling then if we suceed in stopping the swelling her potential for recovery is greater than if the damage is from bleeding. So far the MRI’s seem to support that idea, but no one is certain. They do some very amazing things with rehab of people in her situation.

Last night was like a nighmare without sleep. This morning I feel a sense of relief that Charity is still with us and that we won’t have to make a decision that could potentially be fatal. We still have her to love.

A note from Vicki~ I read this book earlier this week and can I just say it was excellent?! Because of Amy’s own training you can tell there is an aire of authenticity about it. If you enjoy any of the current TV thrillers involving investigation and intrigue, then you will love this! Your heart can’t help but break for Gracie Lang, and as a result you immediately become her cheerleader. I found myself even feeling protective of her. Keep reading below, but take it from me…this should certainly be added to your “TBRP”…To Be Read Pile!Comment on this blog and I will send you my copy of Ransomed Dreams

Many of you have been praying and for that I am so thankful. Last night Jeremy and his father-in-law, Phil, were with us while Charity’s mom, Sylvia, stayed at the hospital with Charity. I think the men were able to rest well. They are so appreciative of Mayo and the care they are getting here. While there are no definitive answers yet, the family feels the doctors are aggressively seeking a diagnosis. I would describe them as faithful and hopeful.

Many people have gone out of their way to be Christ’s hands and feet in this situation. I’m reminded of the following story in Luke 5:

Jesus Heals a Paralytic
17One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. 18Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
20When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” 21The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Can I just tell you what an honor, and yet, how humbling it is to be a stretcher bearer? It doesn’t matter if you are praying faithfully, caring for children, offering housing, doing laundry…it doesn’t matter what it is, it is a blessing to pick up a corner of the mat and carry your brother or sister to Jesus. I’m in awe of the number of people who are picking up the George’s mat and carrying them to their Savior. Tonight I printed out the comments on Charity’s CaringBridge site for the last two day. Then the family can read them to Charity tomorrow. For the two days it took 21 pages to print! Amazing.

In all things He is good. Grab the corner of your mat. Ready? On three. One, two, three…pray!

This is lengthy and I will try to abbreviate it here. At 2:30 this a.m. we opened our home to a family in crisis. Bear in mind that we are in Rochester, MN. Jeremy George is the youth pastor at the E Free church in Holdrege, NE. On April 18th his wife (30 years old…I think) experienced numbness on her left side. To make a long story short….she ended up in Omaha,NE in the hospital for 2 weeks. They eliminated the possibility of cancer or MS and for lack of a better diagnosis, they said she had a stroke. She was paralyzed on the left side and speech was slurred. On Monday they transported her to Kearney, NE to a rehab. facility. Within 24 hours she was headed back to Omaha where they determined that there is swelling on her brain stem. (Yes, I know…this is very un-medical terminology.) Last night they transferred Charity to the Mayo clinic. She can no longer speak at all.

Charity’s parents are here as well. They are missionaries and just returned to the states from Italy in June. There are siblings on both sides all over the states.

Charity and Jeremy George have 2 beautiful little girls; Sophia is 2 and Isabella is 6 months. My friend, Lori Allmand, has been caring for the girls for the last 18 days. That’s how we learned of this situation.

The family is still praying for a miracle, but they believe this may be irreversible. They are prepared to let her go if that’s God’s will. (Lord, I am crying all over my keyboard here. Please have mercy on this family. Thank you for their abounding faith.)

There are so many things that need prayer here…
1. For Charity to be healed and to have peace. She can’t communicate, but she knows what’s going on.

2. For her husband, whom I just met and I just want to hug him. He is clearly broken and numb.

3. For her parents, who are trying to be strong for Jeremy and Charity. Their hearts are breaking though, too.

4. For their babies. Enough said…

5. For Lori and Matt who are caring for the girls

6. For the Tiedes…that we would know how to serve as Christ’s hands and feet here.

7. Last night I was in the ER with Caleb (4) until 12:30 with a double ear infection. He is miserable. I was up until 2:30 waiting for the Schroeder and George families to come and then up until after 3:30 with Caleb. I am exhausted…and still have a sick boy.

8. TOday is Thursday. On Saturday I speak in Iowa, on Monday I speak in SW MN…about 3 hours away, and the following Saturday I speak in WI. Pray that I can minister to all these women, meet the needs of my family, and provide comfort and stability for Charity’s immediate family.

9. Oh, other family is coming in most likely. I will need to help find housing for them as well.

I don’t know when I will be able to check back here. I’m attaching Charity’s 2 sites here:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/charitygeorge

http://www.ministrystudios.com/charity/index.php?page=blog

I had the privilege of interviewing Jill Nelson about Reluctant Runaway. You can read my previous post to see my review of this oh-so-excellent story! Enjoy this interview and then check out my special offer at the end. Here’s what Jill had to say…

What’s your favorite scene in Reluctant Runaway?

I have a lot of favorite scenes in this one, but I’d have to say right up there toward the top is Desi and Tony on a motorcycle trying to outrun a semi bent on turning them into roadkill! For a fun teaser on the plot of Runaway, go to http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/tcatbooks.shtml. I’ve posted a book trailer at the top of the page. Click and enjoy!

What was the funnest part about writing Reluctant Runaway?

Visiting Albuquerque and watching the reactions when I answered people’s question about why I was there. Eyes got big and faces lit up when I said I was researching a novel in their city. Albuquerque is beautiful and set in the picturesque topography of a mountain desert. Those words seem contradictory, but the high desert climate and vegetation, as well as the clash of three cultures (Anglo, Hispanic, and Indian), make this an intriguing setting for a work of fiction. On my web site blog page, I have a couple of entries about my Adventures in Albuquerque, including an entertaining experience interviewing an FBI media liaison. Here’s the URL for the first of those entries: http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/2006/06/adventures-in-albuquerque.shtml.

How do you do your research for the To Catch a Thief series?

Each book has a different setting, which means I spend a lot of time reading about the new place Desi and Tony will face their next life and death situation. I also interview people who live there so I can catch the unique flavor of each locale. If possible, I visit the area myself. Recently, a fan from Albuquerque emailed me to say I hit her city spot on. She had a hard time believing I didn’t live there. That’s great news to an author!

My bookshelves are groaning with tomes on the FBI, art theft, securities, and ethnicities and cultures, as well as stacks of printouts gleaned from the Internet. I also interview experts on various aspects of the stories—law enforcement personnel, pilots, computer gurus, etc.

Research is one of my favorite parts of writing. I learn so much cool stuff. Way more than I can put into a book. I’ve turned my information on art theft and the FBI crimes against cultural property program into a talk I do for libraries and civic groups called Art Snatchers and Thief Catchers. For more information: http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/speaker.shtml.

When might we expect to see Book 3 in this series?

Reluctant Smuggler releases in January of 2008. Desi and Tony head south of the border pitted against an ultra-violent gang involved in antiquities theft, drug trafficking, and the slave trade. Fans of the series should find this one particularly gratifying as far as a long-awaited event, but don’t expect me to pull it off in the usual fashion. And that’s all I’m going to say about that. LOL

Finish this line: Writing a novel is…

…like wrestling with the Angel of God until the story becomes substance on the page.

If you were a famous work of art, what would you be and why?

Water Lilies by Claude Monet. The painting is bright and inviting and fluid and conveys a winsome mystique. One web site says “the vibrant color palette encapsulates the atmospheric beauty of the impossible.” I identify with that concept in my particular art form–writing. Live the eternal adventure! That’s my tagline for whatever tale springs from my imagination.

Do you care to dish about any future projects?

I’ve got a half dozen or so ideas for fresh romantic suspense stories running past my editor at Multnomah. We’re working on narrowing down the options. When we do, then I can say more about what’s next.

What’s currently on your nightstand to read?

I just finished reading a string of wonderful mystery and romantic suspense books—Sharon Dunn’s Death of a Garage Sale Newbie (great start to a series), Brandt Dodson’s Seventy Times Seven, and Ramona Richards’ A Murder Among Friends. I tend to read a lot in these related genres for obvious reasons. However, Cathy Marie Hake’s lovely historical romance, Bittersweet, awaits me next. Beyond that, I’ve got another groaning bookshelf of TBR (to-be-read) books. My motto? Never be without a good book!

Any parting words?

Whether you’re a writer or a reader, you can be an active supporter of faith-based fiction. First of all, vote with your dollars on the kind of reading material you appreciate. Next, let your local libraries and bookstores know about authors they should stock. Reader feedback counts a lot. Then don’t hesitate to send fan-mail (electronic or snail mail) to your favorite writers and their publishers. Don’t forget that last part. Let the publishers know who you want to see more books from. Again, reader feedback counts oodles and bunches.

**Are you ready to read Reluctant Runaway? You have a couple of options…Run to your local bookstore and buy yourself a copy OR leave me a comment here in the next week and I’ll choose one of you to win a free copy. Now, you can’t beat that can you?